Researcher, Douglas Research CentreGeneral Practitioner, Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health University InstituteCouncilior, Council of physicians, dentists, and pharmacists, CIUSSS ODIMAssistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University General Practitioner, Departments of Psychiatry and General Medicine, CIUSSS de l'Outaouais

Clinical epidemiology in mental health

Research Summary

-Introduction of the concept of quality of medical care assessment using explicit and implicit criteria in Canada, following the world first clinical trial of Drug Use Review (DUR), conducted under US funding (Grant HS-03971), in the eighties. This concept is now used widely in North America, for purposes of institutional certification, and is the main quality of care assessment method used, and recommended by the Quebec College of Physicians.
-Participation in several clinical studies on substance abusers and their treatment, with a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of aftercare treatment for the multiple substances abuser. This contributed to externally validate evidence for the effectiveness of behavioural cognitive and AA-oriented group therapy. This researcher was responsible for original trial design. These studies have succeeded to lay a foundation for evidence-based practice in this area of the addictions. (1992 - 2003).
-Analysis of population survey data from Quechua Indians in Peru, measuring the long-term effects of protracted political violence on mental health. This research documented local idioms of distress using an ethnographic approach, and integrated a trauma questionnaire to measures of anxiety and depression, this researcher modeling the relationship between the degree of exposure to protracted violence, migratory status, and mental health variables (2001-2009).
-Participation in the development of indicators, from psychosocial, biological, and demographic dimensions, to predict recidivism of Driving under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI). This researcher was responsible for the biological dimension of this indicator development. Identification of cortisol reactivity as best predictor of DUI recidivism, in collaboration. Participation in the development and conduct of a RCT to test the effectiveness of Brief Motivational Interviewing among DUI recidivists, and impact of sleep deprivation and alcohol on young driver performance (2002+).
-Participation in a number of studies on the role of psychiatrists and general practitioners in mental health practice, and in the assessment of patient need severity following the implementation of the Quebec Mental Health Action Plan, from the patient perspective. This researcher is co-directed the later, under CIHR funding (2003+).
-Participation in a research team dedicated to the development of an epidemiological catchment area in the South-West of Montreal, in the area of mental health. This researcher contributed in the area of substance abuse and clinical medicine, and acted as medical officer for diagnostic divulgation, and for referral to appropriate services (2006+).
-Participation in the design and conduct of several RCT to assess the effectiveness of reconsolidation blockade (RB) for the emotional component of traumatic memories under medication in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Participation in an international research group including the American VA, Toulouse and Harvard Universities, to test the effectiveness of various medications in RB for PTSD patients, and in animal models using behavioural and neuro-chemical models. This researcher acted as medical officer for the conduct of Canadian trials of propranolol, to test RB effectiveness in PTSD, and drug craving (2007+).